LENT - 40 days (but who's counting?)

I don't know why, but I get into Lent.
I plan what I'm going to give-up as well as intentionally add to my daily routine around the same time the New Year's Resolutions begin.

We enjoy FAT TUESDAY (eat King Cake, I overdose on chocolate, this year we even ate Yats with friends!)  Then tomorrow comes and it's all over - it's time for LENT!

For as long as I can remember, I have always given up CHOCOLATE. 
(Excpet during Lent, it's something I have daily, somehow, someway)
Until Easter morning when I eat my "first" Cadbury Egg to end my fast  - it's not about God, it's about discipline and it's just something I've ALWAYS done! :)

Another fast I started a few years ago was giving up Facebook.  I blog and "send" things to FB, but I don't actually open my FB page and scroll for those 40 days...no biggie...good for me to unplug a bit.  I should probably add Pinterest to this fast, but I plan to use it as a resource for too many things right now (see final fast item).

Another MUST DO during Lent is The Divine Hours - it's a daily devotion that you read morning, midday, evening and before bed - it's beautfiul.  I definitely don't get ALL the readings in each day, but I'm going to see if there's an App for it to help me be even better at it than ever before! I've owned that book for a few years now and it's the only time of year I break it out, but it's wonderful.

BUT THIS YEAR, a very much unplanned FAST we, as a FAMILY, will be adding - is going GLUTEN FREE!  I'm not going to be hard core with my 3 big kids (I may make their lunches with regular ole wheat bread here and there), and I can't expect Joe to give up beer....but ME and JACKSON are going all out Gluten Free and the rest of them...Well, I'm the cook, so when they eat what I make them, it will be without wheat!  :)

Today (which was just so great, life-giving and energizing) I went to the Library.
I checked out 5 books on gluten free diet and recipes. 
I went to Trader Joe's and Sally, the kindest, most informative and helpful person EVER walked me through every aisle giving me tips (she has Celiac Disease too!).
I spoke on the phone with my friend Amy who has walked this road for a few years and she gave me tons of ideas - which I will list here:

Switch to Almond Milk (not a fan of Soy either and the protein and fat are at good levels)
Toss a scoop of Flaxseed oil into J's milk daily to give him a boost of GOOD fat
Toss a scoop of Aloe Vera (looks like water) in his bottle if he gets fussy - immediate relief
Use LIVE probiotics (which need refrigerated)
Lara Bars & Cliff Kids bars are great "on the go" snacks/meals for kids
Pamela's Flour Mix is the answer to GF pancakes, pizza crusts, etc
Bob's Red Mill Oats are GF
Veggie Snacks at Costco
Rice Chex for cereal

She just gave me confidence that this change in lifestyle is a GOOD thing for ALL of us!  So refreshing to hear!

I repinned some recipes on my newly added "Gluten Free Recipes" Board.

I spoke to that Dietician that our GI Specialist wanted me to work with and she also was super supportive and available anytime (which is nice).  I'm hopeful about this whole GF thing!

Lastly, I think I am going to hop back on the bandwagon of the 30 Day Challenge - which I did in January but stopped once February hit - Maybe I'll search Pinterst for another one but here's the one from January:

Happy Fat Tuesday! 
May your 40 days of Lent be FULL and empty all at the same time (I miss chocolate already!)  :)

Feel the Love (and knowledge!)

Well, if I ever wondered whether anyone reads my blog....YES THEY DO!
If I ever wondered in anyone cares....YES THEY DO!
After my honest and weary blog post about our son JackJack on Sunday night, I have received texts, FB comments, emails and phone calls galore - I FEEL SO LOVED!

One thing I should clarify....I know, deep down, I'm not a crappy mom.  Matter of fact, I think I'm pretty darn good at it!  But if you have ever questioned yourself, allowed yourself even for a moment to listen to that dark voice in your head (or red devil on your shoulder)...you know what I mean....you know there are times when you fail and you hate it.  There are times when you are at your worst and you can't deal....I was there. 
But, now I'm not.  (PRAISE GOD!)

When it comes down to it....I don't want to go through the bad stuff to reap the Reward.  I found that can't see (or don't trust) in the midst of the darkness, that soon, even 24 hours later it will be different, it will be better....I just sit in the darkness sometimes and wallow.

Well, because OTHERS took up my cross, got on their knees and held up my arms, God moved in amazing ways.

The weekend was exhausting - JackJack remained super fussy, over tired, irritable and miserable...he continued to NOT SLEEP both Friday, Saturday AND Sunday nights.  I was wasted.  So, when Monday morning arrived - I GOT ON THE PHONE with our GI Specialist...surely it's the adjustment to protein shakes that is HURTING him!
The nurses insisted we get to our pediatrician because his symptons just weren't adding up (which I thought was bologna!)...so I reluctantly called our Pediatrician.

At the appointment (the last one of the day! 5pm), he checked his ears....looked good (see told ya so! This is a waste of my time!), checked his belly, then tried to look down his throat.  In trying to pry open his mouth, Jackson's teeth started to bleed.  And in pulling his lips open further (while he screamed) - his gums were deep maroon. OUCH!  I have never seen anything like it.  So guess what, my motherly instinct and placing blame on the GI Doc was unfair...(but I'm just SO TIRED and YOUR visit rocked our world!!)

We were prescribed "Magic Mouthwash" which is a combo of benedryl, maalox and 1 other thing I can't remember....it WORKS!  It's a topical medicine you rub on his gums every 6 hours along with a dose of Motrin.  Our sweet baby boy slept from 11pm to 6am last night - TALK ABOUT RELIEF (for both of us!)

PRAISE GOD - It's a miracle!  I have witnessed and personally experienced in this 24 hour period how prayers for peace, discernment, and healing ARE REAL!  PRAYER WORKS!  (even if I was too tired and too defeated to speak it myself).

I am a new person today.  I am lifted.  I am confident.  I am SO THANKFUL! 
Praise God. 

Let me say once again, I don't want to go through the bad stuff....but how great, how comforting, how beautiful, that no matter what, I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS!
(And neither are you, the one reading this!) 

I am honored to be the receiver of all this love, all this knowledge, all this support.
It is such a gift.

I wanted to save all the guidance and love I have been given in response to that blog post - so here are most of them....just so I can come back to them, read them again when another "bad stuff" moment hits.  (Really, will I have to do that again? Ugh.)


RESPONSES FROM MY "What's wrong with JackJack?" Post:

Facebook Comments: (I took out names just in case)

oh Meg, I had no idea you were going through this...you can add me to the list of people praying for you...love you...

Thank you for sharing - you & all the family will be in our prayers!!

Awe, Megan, soo sorry you are dealing with this. You are a great mom, I can hear it in your voice when I read your blog. Prayers your way!!!

so sorry my friend. So hard.

Wow. So much to process! It's a LIE that you are a crappy mom! Don't believe it! I will be praying for you!

You are an incredible mother

Hang in there friend! Prayers coming your way. If there's anything I can do please ask. Babysit or Play date while u rest, whatever... I'm off work for another month. Call me!

L(2) has a dairy allergy too and we only give him rice milk. What did the doctor suggest to use instead? I'm nervous about boys and soymilk and he's allergic to peanuts, so we have to stay away from all tree nuts too (so, no almond milk and maybe coconut milk?). He is so super tiny (below the 5th percentile) in weight and I've been concerned about the nutrition too. You're a great mom and I can understand your frustration. I'll be praying it gets figured out. Also, talk to A.T. A has had to be dairy and gluten free.

So sorry you're going through this. It sounds like what we had going on with D. the thing that I cut out of his diet that got rid of the blisters and diarrhea immediately was corn. My husband thought I was crazy until I tried to reintroduce it into his diet and the next day SCREAMS of pain and then diarrhea and blisters. Good luck

We share so many things within this message. I'll call you this week. Firstly, you are not an awful Mom. You did all you knew! Secondly, God is faithful & He will see you guys through! I'll call you and arrange a playdate! I have a lot of info to share with you, as we have battled SO much the same! Praying! We love you guys!!!

Praying for you guys.

Thinking of you and your baby boy..Hope all is better soon..

Megan selliac disease is a diet issue & can b controlled easily. I hav an aunt with it and once they determined she had it she eats differently and is great. Don't second guess yourself, it is becoming more and more diagnosed and the grocery stores are carrying more products for those who suffer from it. We will be thinking of you alll during this life style adjustment.

Praying for you and your family. You are a great Mom...don't believe for one minute that you aren't!

Thinking of and praying for you guys!! Let me know if you need anything:)

Oh my! And to think, I was wondering why you weren't at the silly princess party!? Oh Megan....will pray for answers. We are going through a very small version of this, and I can't imagine it being worse.....Baby M was on soy formula, and has also had some issue in the transition to whole milk at age 1...but the soy milk just isn't getting us through the nights! Oh the nights....

Megan, We join your host of friends praying for you. The sun will shine again, but I know every day seems too long when you're in the middle of it.

praying for you and JackJack....all the previous post...not much to add. I also know many who have celiacs and are all happy and healthy. you are a wonderful family and I love to see how much you love on your blog. Love to all

I think it's great you are figuring this out now.., some kids dint get diagnosed until later... I will say ice heard that a milk sensitivity yields anger issues.. And gluten is more anxiety issues... But it's hard to figure this out in a 1 year old! And if it doesn't come up celiac disease... A food journal is a great idea to help solve the mystery... My friends daughter had sensitivity to egg( did not come through as actual allergy on test) which caused loose bowel and decreased weight gain.

I'm sorry to hear how you've been worrying and so upset, Megan! I will be praying for you all and little Jackjack. I know the guilt thing, I think all mothers do. I also know about leaning on others to pray and not trusting in God myself. Please be encouraged. You thought you were doing the right thing, and Jackjack's body was telling you it wasn't working. God IS handling the whole thing. May God guide the Drs. hands and minds to find out what is going on with Jackjack. God will pick you all up, Megan. He will! He loves you, even when we don't feel it. Keep faith!

Big, big hugs to you all. CJ started out life screaming and projectile vomitting. We still haven't gotten to the bottom of all her allergy/digestion issues but she is a grown, wonderful young lady. You're doing everything you can with Jack's needs first and foremost. Everyone - especially God - knows that. Hoping this, too, shall pass quickly and happily.



And then EMAILS....

Hey Megan, I just cannot stop thinking about you & Jackson! My friend sent some info that had helped her ... I am sure you are getting tons of info. As always, know you are not alone:)

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the LORD, not men. Ephesians 6:7


Hey B,
I was thinking about your friend whose child was just diagnosed with Celiac and really felt her pain of having to figure out a new diet for a little one. I thought I would pass along some of my favorite gluten free resources....
-http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/ Great recipes, bread and meals, she has Celiac
-http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ Gluten free crockpot recipes
-Gluten Free Living Now ExpoOctober 13-14m 2012
The Fountains in Carmel Went to this last year and they had a ton of free samples and great resources
-Trader Joe's Has a gal that is an expert in all their GF products, just call the store and she will give you a tour
- Whole foods also offers classes occasionallySome of our favorite restaurants.....
Puccinni's - has gf pasta and pizza crust
Maggiano's - chef is great, will come out to the table to talk about diet needs
PF changs - has a gf menu
I would also be happy to talk to her as I know the first few months were very hard on me trying to figure out this whole new world. Hope this helps her out just a little bit.
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Hey Megan,
I just saw your post about the last handful of days. I am so sorry to hear about this. I thought I would send you an article that might be helpful about celiac and how to help it. It focuses a lot on pre and probiotics. Also there is a Kombucha tea now made with chia seeds that would be really good for him. The Kombucha would provide the probiotics and the chia would supply absorbable calcium, omegas, antioxidants, etc.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/27/gut-bacteria-offer-new-hope-for-people-with-celiac-disease.aspx

I am praying for little Jack and you as you work to figure this all out.

A couple other links that might be helpful...

A friend's gluten free blog. I am sure she would be happy to talk with you. Let me know if you want me to connect you two. http://www.pampermeglutenfree.com/

http://glutenfreegirl.com/

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Hey, I just wanted you to know that I read your blog and completely related to all the mommy emotions you're dealing with. I tell people all the time that there is nothing like not being able to nourish your child and/or seeing them not get nourished by what you're feeding them. I have a nutrionist who I would love for you to contact once you get some more answers from the testing. It is hard to detect an intolerance with allergy testing, but she can help you with getting him back up to speed weight wise. She is a Christian and has about 30 years of experience. She does phone consults for an hour and then after that you can email or call with questions. She LOVES doing what she does and works with a whole team of local allergy and child doctors doing research on how food are affecting kids.

I know that a lot of info is being thrown your way and resources probably, but if I could give you any advice it would be to go back to the basics of eating. Get him used to raw food and get the other kids used to it. You will all feel better and it will help want to eat it as well. We have tons of recipes I can send your way and places to get things. I would LOVE to talk in person or on the phone about any of this. You have always been a very special person in my heart and I would love to pass on the good info God has put in our path.

Just be ready to tell her what he's eaten in the last 3 days and have a quiet hour that you can talk with no distractions. She can tell you all about the right type of allergy testing that will actually give you the answers you're looking for. Our peditrician didn't want to do the testing she recommended for A so we're going to go through Jodi to get it done soon so we more solid info. The regular blood testing doesn't show much at all when they as young as Jack you have to do another form I think the scratch testing or something like that.

Anyway, I wanted you to have some more info in your already spinning head and a person who is willing to walk along side you during this process that not everyone understands. Call anytime for help or with tears of frustration I'm here.

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Hi Megan -

I saw your blog post on Facebook and I was thinking I would tell you about our experiences with food allergies, in case what we know might help. Sadie has always been the opposite of Jack, with constipation and very, very hard stools (they look like rabbit pellets). She also has had a skin rash on and off since birth. Food allergies are tricky, and without going through our similar nightmarish story, I will tell you that I had two professionals tell me completely opposite things (an allergist and an ENT).

S had a blood work for food allergies and environmental allergies. The doctor may not have told you that these tests will cost about $1600, and your insurance may or may not pay for it. My insurance (Anthem, but not the same policy we had at IMPA) paid for the environmental allergy testing (called "IgE") but would not pay for the other $800 in food allergy testing (called "IgG"). Some insurance companies consider IgG testing to be "experimental" or "inconclusive" for food allergies. I appealed the insurance decision and got them to pay finally, but it was a battle.

Also, you will learn that there is a difference between a food "allergy" and a food "sensitivity", and even if the testing is negative or inconclusive, that does not mean that Jack isn't still "sensitive" to particular foods. There is a lot of information out there, some good and some bad. I think there just isn't a "one size fits all" or a "one test cures all" fix for allergies. Remember, no one knows your kid better than you, and if someone (even a doctor), tells you something that doesn't seem right, keep pushing. No one is going to advocate for your kid but you.

Our allergist is Dr. Garrick Hubbard, he has offices at 116th and U.S. 31 and downtown. He's a dad, very calm, and good at what he does. Here's the office website: http://aacionline.com/. Dr. Hubbard said that Sadie is definitely an "allergy baby" and unfortunately we are going to have to experiment with withholding certain foods and reintroducing them to see what she can tolerate. She's definitely allergic to dairy, so she drinks almond milk (because soy may also be a problem for her, and I don't like some of the natural estrogen in soy that may not be good for little girls), but she seems to be able to tolerate some dairy in yogurt and cheese in small amounts. Dr. Hubbard also sent us to a pediatric dermatologist, Dr. Kristin Turchin, to get a handle on her skin allergies and eczema, and that's been much better since we have the appropriate prescription skin medications. Her website is www.dermatologyinc.com

If Jack has celiac disease, I think the only way to know for sure is for them to do a biopsy of the lining of his GI tract. Celiac kids are usually so inflamed that it is clear from the biopsy that they have a problem. Also, they may not have told you that you should not change his diet prior to testing, because it will not give accurate results (if you take away the allergens, then your test isn't going to be accurate). You may wish to confirm this with any doctor who orders such tests.

I'm sorry to send such a long email. My heart went out to you went I read your post. I hope some of this is helpful. Just know that if he's got food allergies or celiac, you CAN learn how to change his diet to help him. This is fixable. You are NOT a bad mom, and you did nothing wrong. In fact, you are an AWESOME mom for being on top of it and calling out for help.

Thinking of you and praying for healing,

p.s. Oh, and you should start a food diary for Jack. And the website for Whole Foods has a listing of allergen free foods that they carry. You will be amazed at what they have. Marsh and Kroger also have some items, but Whole Foods has the best selection by far (gluten free bread, rolls, donuts, pancakes, pizza crusts, anything you can think of).

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And there were TEXTS...which I will shorten to just the meat of the messages since I have to retype them:

Guilt can't define how you continue...thinking of you, hope J is feeling better. Ever thought of taking him to a chiropractor? It helps SO many things.

I had no idea....Praying for you now. You are one of the best moms I know.

I had no idea you were under so much stress. I am so sorry, and please know that I am praying for mr. jack to get everything figured out soon! You're an amazing mom and I can only hope to be half as amazing as you have been raising your beautiful babies!

Besides Joe, Joey, Morgan, JJ or Jackie with his eyes...has anyone told you they love you today? I do too. (that one was from my dad) :)

Stop beating yourself up you are a wonderful mom.

I will add sweet JackJack to my prayers. Celiac disease isn't terrible. And being gluten freee it very trendy right now. You may all feel better! Hugs and love.

Hello beautiful friend! Praying for you and your family Remember Grace. Let all the people who love you lift you up as you rest in God's arms.



And in response to a separate FB post about Gluten Free websites, guidance, etc:

Let's chat. Both my girls are gluten free.

If you have access to a Kindle (or Kindle for your phone), I just saw several free ebooks with gluten-free recipes.
Also, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods carry many gluten-free grains/pasta options to replace wheat-ingredient options. I know it's a huge challenge, but the gluten-free options and resources have come a long way in the past 5-7 years! 7 years ago I had a student with Celiac Disease and his mom had to go to the ends of the earth to find alternatives for their family. It's almost mainstream today. Good luck and I hope that the dietary changes help Jackson.

my friend's blog: raisingjackwithceliac.blogspot.com

A friend of mine, C.W.W has been here, I believe with her child, FB her

Talk to A A. She's an expert by now:)

Is that what the doctor figured out was the issue? Wow.

I can refer you to my friend that I work with very closely. Her daughter has some severe gluten allergies and my friend eats gluten free too. Want me to give her your name and maybe you can facebook message??

We love Amazon to buy things in bulk, we love pamela's brand baking/flour mix..her pancake mix ROCKS we all eat them cause its so good. Call me anytime. Trader Joe's has a store list you can ask for at the office of all the GF products they have. Costco has great snacks as well.

Check with my daughter Betsy, she cooks it all the time.

glutenfreeeasily.com

I have a friend whose name is K.D.S She is always posting recipes that seem great. You should become friends with her because she is a great resource.

NPR diane rehm show all about gluten free should be able to find podcast for this week

What's wrong with JackJack?

Last Wednesday, we took our sweet baby boy to our Pediatrician because he had a nasty rash on his behind....he had blistering on his yingyang too...it was just to the point where Aquaphor wasn't making it better.

As I was talking with our Doctor, I mentioned that the reason I think he gets this rash (which he gets often) was because he has such loose stool, ALWAYS.  He is 15 months old and has never had a solid BM.

I also mentioned that I was hoping for an Allergist referral because I feel he has allergies to milk and recently he has pretty much stopped eating.  ( He tosses everything on the floor, purses his lips and screams if he's in his high chair)....so he's essentially been living on Rice Milk - which is another adjustment I had made to his diet because when he was on Soy formula or then Soy milk, once he turned 1, his stools are not only loose, but grey.

Our Doctor put him on the scale to see how his growth was, and much to my surprise, he had also lost 3 pounds since his 1 year appointment (a little over 2 months ago),

So, instead of Allergist, he referred us to a GI Specialist at Riley Children's Hospital North.  (What was THAT appointment going to be like?  WHAT IS WRONG WITH JACKSON'S GI!?)

Well, when this Friday came (his appointment was set for 1pm), I woke up with a headache...which worsened to a full out Migraine by 12 noon.  I was anxious, I was fearful, I was having flashbacks to wrapping up our just over 1 year old like a tortilla for a CatScan of his skull while he screamed (Joey)...and the sunny day and a tired, crying, frustrated baby boy didn't help my head at all.

I broke.

I took the medicine (which I had to make a special trip back home for), I texted my friends to pray, and I sat in my mini van in my driveway and sobbed....I was in so much pain. (AND WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR BABY BOY?)

Joe met me at the hospital and helped me with Jackjack while I filled out paperwork...Jackson knew something wasn't right, he sensed fear, and so he thought he'd help by crying, writhing out of our arms and being inconsolable....(HEAD HURTS...bright lights....loud crying...God help me, please.)

We get to our observation room and wait.  Joe does his best to entertain Jackson while I continue to fill out more paperwork.

The doctor comes in.  He is kind.  He is concerned.  He asks questions...
Did you bring the label of the Rice Dream?  (No, was I supposed to?)
Have you ever done a stool sample with him?  (No, was I supposed to?)
Have you ever heard of Celiacs Disease? (Disease?, WHAT?, No.)

Joe had to leave to go pick up Morgan and Joey (MY usual routine for Friday afternoons).  The doctor left at the same time to make some copies for me....Jackson continued to cry...writhe....be inconsolable (I am such a crappy mother!  Why can't I get him to relax?...HEAD HURTS....)

The Doctor comes back in with 2 pieces of paper.  They are food labels.
Rice Milk vs. Whole Milk.
Long story short - Rice Milk is sugar water and I have been starving my child. It has no fat, which is essential to brain development, and little protein, which is essential to nutrient absorbtion. (If you ask Joe, or anyone else, they will comfort me and defend my decision and encourage me that I was doing what I thought was best for my child) (I am such a crappy mother!)

He is thinking there is a chance Jackson has Celiacs Disease (a gluten intolerance).  So, he had arranged for blood to be drawn following this appointment downstairs in the "Lab" area of IU North Hospital.  (Why not?  My son is already a complete wreck, what's a stick in the arm going to do, make him cry MORE?....HEAD HURTS....)

He wants to meet us again in 3 weeks to see how things have progressed....

The blood draw was actually not too bad.  Jackson FINALLY took the bottle after his bandaid was put on and he quieted right down.  We were given some samples of Pedialite Kids, and other soy-based protein type shakes to give him the fat and protein he'd been missing.  (Stupid Rice Milk)

My migraine NEVER went away that day.  I could take a max of 4 pills in 24 hours and that day, I did.

Jackson immediately started to have better skin in his diaper area, but the dream of him sleeping through the night because his belly was so FULL from the protein shakes is still a dream....actually the 2nd night after the visit was the worst night he has ever had for fussyness, screaming, and pretty much required constant rubbing of his back or he would cry.  He barely slept.  I barely slept.
I am spent.

I am anxious.

What if he has this disease?
What if it's more?

I'd like to say that God has moved in amazing ways in all this....that I have turned to Him and trusted...
Instead,
I have relied on friends to do the praying for me.
I have relied on my husband to hold me and listen and see my tears. (well, some of them)

I am exhausted.

I don't know what's next. 

We have already decided to try to go Gluten Free as a family for a while, (except bread for packed lunches for the other 3).  Why not, right?

I am calling our pediatrician for a referral for an Allergist tomorrow. 
I have got to get to the bottom of this...What is wrong with JackJack?

I have no choice, I HAVE to Trust.  I want to Trust. God help our baby boy.

February Goals and January in Review

Well, we are already through a month of 2012..that went fast.
Here were my January Goals and how I did:

1. Laundry - every day. period. YES!
2. Drink Water - every day (24 oz minimum) YES!
3. 30 Day Challenge: NEARLY EVERYDAY (not so much on Sundays)
4. GET TO THE GYM (atleast once a week) - YES! Gonna up that goal to 3xs a week
5. Leave 3 bites on my plate each meal  ADJUSTING THIS GOAL - INSTEAD: JUST NOT ALLOWING MYSELF TO EAT ANY FOOD FROM MY KIDS PLATE....There is something in me that needs to have a finished (happy) plate...I can't leave 3 bites, just can't...but leaving 3 bites and then finishing Morgan's plate is counter productive...so setting myself up for success here - NO KID'S LEFTOVERS!
6. READ -  Per the suggestion from a dear friend of mine, I have started reading "One Thousand Gifts"  by Ann Voskamp - IT IS AMAZING!!!! 
READ IT...now...seriously.



7. Do not allow clutter in our bedroom (Keep it a place of PEACE)- THIS HAS BEEN SUCH A GREAT GOAL FOR ME - it really does add PEACE to our bedroom
8. Get back on the E-mealz bandwagon - DID IT and doing well with it
9. Run the Roomba everday - YES! and it's another souce of PEACE for me - walking in the door and seeing your carpets and floors clean after the chaos of the morning...thank you Roomba! 
10. Finish the big huge painting - Didn't happen :( 

So, some things I am adding for February that I am adding to my goal list are:

11.  DRINK WITH FRIENDS - coffee, water while working out or wine (which I bet you thought was what I meant all along!) - being in fellowship with other women is life giving to me....but the reality is, I have 4 kids and a husband getting his MBA - so I need to be purposeful with my time and outward focused with my efforts....looking forward to keeping this goal!

12.  USE TECHNOLOGY - my dad got me an Android Bionic and Joe got me the data plan for Christmas - so here are my must-have APPS that have made my life easier an I intend to continue to utilize to reach my goal...

I am reading the bible in a year - and it tracks, checks off and guides me on which chapters to read each day...it's awesome and totally helping me reach my goal

I am LOVING tracking my runs, workouts and 30 day challenge - it gives me a weekly text with my miles, calories burned and while running, it tracks how far and how fast you go...a great tool.

Grocery IQ is another helpful list maker for me...you can keep one big list, plus specify where to get items on the list as well - so Costco, Target, Kroger, Lowes...no need for paper and pen anymore!

Lastly, but not least AT ALL is Pinterest.
It is so life-giving for me...I am not an addict (although I can see where that can happen quite easily)...but it is a great resource for me...so craft ideas, recipes, home decorating, cool quotes...all kinds of good stuff are on there ..."Follow" me if you choose to join!
So a GOAL of mine for this month is to CREATE items I have "repin"ned onto my board - maybe I'll knock out that painting of the canvas (see January goal #10) with ideas I find on Pinterest

If you have APP suggestions that you think are "must-have's" I would love to hear about them!


13.  CREATE stuff pinned on Pinterest

14.  Being that it is February, I am going to add a goal of loving my husband purposefully this month...notes, texts, small gifts, and we definitely need to do a date night

Here's to a Happy February!